Wrestlers finish 4th at state

After finishing second overall during this year's district tournament, the Mountain Home Tigers wrestling team was ranked fourth during the state finals, which wrapped up on Saturday at the Idaho Center.

During the tournament, nine Tigers finished in the top five with four placing in the top three.

Two-time state champion Pierce Mederios concluded his high school wrestling career by finishing second in the 113-pound weight class. Over the past four years, he maintained a record of 167-5, which is the most wins in the high school's history.

After finishing second overall during this year's district tournament, the Mountain Home Tigers wrestling team was ranked fourth during the state finals, which wrapped up on Saturday at the Idaho Center.

Meanwhile, Kanoa Doronio finished second in the 126-pound division, Jonathon Kaiser was second in the 285-pound weight class and Dustin Farnsworth came in third in the 106-pound division.

Those finishing fourth overall in their respective divisions were Hunter McCluskey at 120, Dallas Mayhew in the 126 and Dylan Park at 152. Gavin Hazell was fifth at 120 while Zack Slack placed fifth at 138.

The team's appearance at state follows a similar award-winning performance at district, which saw 15 Tigers finishing in the top five. Those winning in their respective divisions were Mederios, McCluskey and Kaiser.

Those placing second overall at district were Farnsworth, Hazell, Park, Alex Castro and Jayden Sexton while Doronio and Slack posted third-place finishes. Meanwhile, Kobie Jewett and Hayden Keierleber finished fourth while Mayhew, Tyler Hardin and Juan Rangel were fifth.

The Tigers' state appearance comes as coach Scott Mederios announced his retirement following 26 years with the high school team, including the past year as its head coach.

"As I reflect on all of the amazing people that wrestling has brought into my life, I quickly realized how truly blessed my career has been," said Mederios, who paused to thank his athletes, his family and former Tiger coaches that helped create this award-winning wrestling team.

"As wrestling coaches, we have cleaned more bloody noses, received more sweaty hugs and have wiped away more tears (some my own) then other profession out there," he added. "We have all been injured and beat down physically and emotionally, but I would not change it for the world, and I would do it all again."